CVE-2020-0380 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In allocExcessBits of bitalloc.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-146398979
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0380 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android media processing subsystem, specifically in the bitalloc.c file responsible for bit allocation during video encoding operations. This issue resides in the allocExcessBits function where improper bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory regions, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including Android 8.0, 8.1, 9, 10, and 11, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of input parameters during bit allocation processes, where the system fails to properly verify that allocated bit values remain within expected memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can result in arbitrary code execution.
The exploitation of this vulnerability does not require user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered remotely through malicious media content or network-based attacks. Attackers can craft specially malformed video files or network streams that when processed by the affected Android devices will trigger the out-of-bounds write condition. The memory corruption resulting from this flaw can be leveraged to overwrite critical program structures, function pointers, or executable code segments, potentially enabling full system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers the use of command and scripting interpreter for remote code execution, and T1203 which addresses exploitation of remote services through memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0380 extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire Android deployments, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive data. The vulnerability's presence in core media processing components means that any application or service that processes video content could serve as an attack vector. This includes web browsers, media players, messaging applications, and file sharing services that might handle video attachments or streaming content. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for automated exploitation campaigns, as attackers can potentially compromise devices simply by delivering malicious media content through standard communication channels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0380 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as Google has released fixes for this vulnerability in subsequent security releases. Organizations should implement network-based filtering to block suspicious media content and consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and ensure timely patch application. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in embedded systems, particularly those handling multimedia content. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures for potential compromise scenarios. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the need for continuous security assessment of media processing libraries and the importance of static code analysis to identify similar bounds checking issues in other components of the Android framework.